To be Jesus-like isn’t a call for the faint-hearted. It’s a call to self-denial, sacrifice, and standing firm. It’s a call to bless those who curse us and do good to those who hate us. It’s a call to continually commune with the Father, taking Him boldly at His Word.
And it isn’t easy. As long as we live in this world, we have our flesh to deal with and an enemy to wrestle.
I recently played laser tag with my family for the first time. And let. me. tell. you. I think I found my calling. OK, that’s an exaggeration, but I discovered my laser tag groove and could have literally played all day. And for the record I only came in second place because that thirteen-year-old who came in first was ruthless. I’m telling you.
Afterwards, my daughter recapped my passion, “Mom was all ‘Bam bam bam!’ And I was all, ‘Can we go yet?’ And mom was all, ‘Get my back!’ And I was all, ‘I don’t like this.’ And mom was all, ‘He’s around that corner!’” I about died laughing.
But the truth is, there’s an enemy and we need to get serious about the battle. Otherwise we fall in defeat — just like all those little kids when I put on my laser tag face. That’s right.
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
1 Peter 5:8
The enemy can’t steal our identity as children of God, but he absolutely strives and plots to steal our joy and peace and influence. He prowls around whispering lies until we wave the flag of surrender.
It’s time to tie up our cute little skirts and fight in the battle. Today. We can’t coast on the faith we had yesterday. It’s a new day with new challenges and new lies to conquer.
So let’s marinate in His Word. Let’s take Him at His Word. Let’s dare to believe that love is the best choice and forgiveness sets us free.
Fill me, Lord…
What lies has the enemy been tempting you to believe lately?
What truth can you declare today to fend him off?
